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2008 Acura RL Sedan

4dr Sdn (Natl)

Starting at $20,550 | Starting at 16 MPG City - 24 MPG Highway

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$20,550 average Retail
$46,280 original MSRP

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Overview
Reviews
Safety
Warranties
Cars for Sale

Printable Version

2008 Acura RL Sedan

Summary

Provided by NADAguides.com

Available in Sedan and Technology packages, the 2008 Acura RL is a four door Luxury Sedan featuring a 225 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a 4-speed overdrive-enabled automatic transmission and ABS brakes as standard equipment. Additionally, the Technology package offers unique features that include a Collision Mitigation Braking System (or CMBS as it�s commonly known), as well as an adaptive cruise control system. In addition to a long list of safety features, the RL also offers dual zone, dual mode climate control and two-level heated front seats.

Benefits of Driving a 2008 Acura RL Sedan

Acura's flagship 2008 RL offers more standard equipment for the dollar than most of its competitors. All-wheel drive, a premium sound system, and a luxurious interior are all standard. Even with the rest of the bells and whistles, such as navigation, adaptive cruise control and collision mitigation braking, still makes it one of the best luxury sedan values on the market.

What's new for 2008?

The Acura RL has minimal changes for 2008. On the entry-level RL, the GPS-linked solar sensing dual-zone automatic climate control has been replaced with a more conventional dual-zone automatic climate control. For 2008 both the base RL and the Tech Package come with a Bluetooth wireless telephone interface.

Model Strengths

Standard all-wheel drive
well-appointed interior
technology galore.

Model Review

The 2008 RL is Acura's entry in the mid-sized luxury sedan market, and it remains one of the best appointed sedans in its class. With all-wheel drive, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, heated leather seats, a moonroof, tire pressure monitoring, a Bose AM/FM/6-disc CD changer with an auxiliary jack and XM satellite radio, and a power rear sun shade all standard, the RL delivers in most areas. It even boasts active noise cancellation to reduce cabin noise levels, thereby saving weight on sound deadening materials.

Printable Version

2008 Acura RL Sedan

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2008 Acura RL

Source: The Car Connection

The luxury-car fans at TheCarConnection.com read reviews of the 2008 Acura RL from around the Web and compiled this conclusive profile of the RL from that research. Experts from TheCarConnection.com have driven the Acura RL on several different occasions, then added opinions and impressions where they help you make a better buying decision.

Truth be told, the Acura RL needs to be replaced. Are the experts at TheCarConnection.com cruel and going out on a limb to proclaim this? Nope. Acura told us so. Company officials already showed the 2009 Acura RL to the world at the Chicago auto show in February 2008. With the new car waiting in the wings, it's kind of hard to get excited about the 2008 Acura RL, which has a nondescript look and doesn't seem to excel in any single field, though it's competent in nearly every way.

Acura's flagship sedan was last redesigned in 2006. Then it became the larger and more luxurious all-wheel-drive sport-tourer that we recognize today. While a rumored V-8 never materialized, the 2008 Acura RL's standard 3.5-liter VTEC V-6 engine delivers a respectable 290 horsepower. It comes mated to a five-speed Sequential SportShift automatic that can be taken through the gears manually, via either a console shifter or steering-wheel-mounted, F1-style paddle controls. It's a silky powertrain--it's just not a V-8. Handling is fine with the Acura RL, and it feels much smaller than cars like the Mercedes E-Class and has standard all-wheel drive. An A-Spec performance package includes a track-tuned suspension package that lowers the car by nearly three-quarters of an inch, as well as 18-inch wheels.

Interior room is actually fairly good, but the RL's swoopy interior style puts the emphasis on the driver and the front passenger. It's a more techno-friendly package than anything from Germany, but it's also pretty and well built, with fine materials. It's not much larger than the mid-size Acura TL, though.

Other standard features include a keyless access/starting system, as well as a Bose audio system with DVD-Audio. Options include a cutting-edge Technology Package, which features Acura's Collision Mitigation Braking System. Radar sensors in the car's front end detect approaching obstacles and apply some braking, to lessen the potential impact with the obstacle ahead. Active Front Lighting, Adaptive Cruise Control, and the navigation system are bundled with the Technology Package.

The RL's optional satellite navigation system includes a real-time traffic-monitoring function for major U.S. cities that can warn the driver of road delays ahead and suggest alternate routes.

The Bottom Line:

The 2008 Acura RL is a fine luxury sedan, but others offer V-8 power and more distinct styling.

Printable Version

2008 Acura RL Sedan

Safety Ratings What do the Safety Ratings mean? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests: Driver Crash Grade: Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury. Passenger Crash Grade: Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger. Rollover Resistance: Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover. Side Impact Crash Test - Front: Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury. Side Impact Crash Test - Rear: Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.
Driver Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Passenger Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Rollover Resistance	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Front	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Rear	No consumer rating Rate & Review

Safety Features & Equipment

Braking & Traction
4-Wheel ABS	Std
Traction/Stability Control	Std
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Std

Passenger Restraint
Driver Air Bag	Std
Passenger Air Bag	Std
Side Air Bag	Std
Side Head Air Bag	Std
Rear Head side Air Bag	Std
Child Safety Locks	Std

Road Visibility
HID Headlights	Std
Daytime Running Lights	Std
Fog Lamps	Std
Electrochromic Rearview Mirror	Std
Intermittent Wipers	Std
Variable Inter. Wipers	Std

Accident Prevention
Handsfree Wireless	Std

Security
Alarm	Std
Anti-theft System	Std

Printable Version

2008 Acura RL Sedan

Original Warranty Original Warranty An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment. The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including: Basic Warranty: Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters. Drivetrain Warranty: This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be. Roadside Assistance: The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car. Corrosion Warranty: This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal. Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.	Miles	Months
Basic	50,000	48
Drivetrain	70,000	72
Corrosion	0	60
Roadside Assistance	50,000	48

Acura Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Certified Pre-Owned Warranty To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points. Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer. Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include: Age/Mileage Eligibility To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers. Lease Term Certified Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less. Point Inspection These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details. Return/Exchange Program Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car. Roadside Assistance Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty. Special Financing Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers. Transferable Warranty When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect. Warranty Deductible This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.
12 months/12,000 miles limited warranty from purchased date or expiration of new car warranty date. Additional 7 year/100,000 mile powertrain warranty from in-service date.
Age/Mileage Eligibility	6 years / 80,000 miles
Lease Term Certified	Yes
Point Inspection	150
Return/Exchange Program	3 day exchange
Roadside Assistance	Yes
Special Financing	Yes
Transferrable Warranty	Yes
Warranty Deductible	No